Poll Says 83% of Nigerians Want Tinubu Out as Hardship Worsens

A new report by the Africa Polling Institute (API) has revealed a sharp decline in public confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with 83 per cent of Nigerians expressing disappointment in his leadership just two years into his tenure.

The findings, published in the Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey 2025, paint a grim picture of national sentiment as citizens grapple with deepening poverty, runaway inflation, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and unrelenting insecurity—issues that have grown more severe under Tinubu’s rule despite his campaign promises to reverse the failures of the Buhari era through his “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Instead, the report suggests that hopes have been dashed. With the naira plunging to N1,600 per dollar, compared to N1,000 at the end of Buhari’s term, and food prices tripling nationwide, many Nigerians are increasingly disillusioned. Violent attacks by terrorists and herdsmen also continue across the country, with the most recent incident involving suspected Fulani herders who locked farmers and their children inside homes before setting them ablaze.

The polling results also show widespread distrust in other arms of government. Eighty-two per cent of respondents said they had little or no faith in the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Mr Akpabio has been embroiled in a sexual assault scandal, while allegations of past misconduct continue to haunt others in government.

Edo senator Neda Imasuen, chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, was previously disbarred by the New York State Supreme Court for misappropriating a client’s funds. Similarly, Tinubu’s Chief of Staff and former Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, lost his U.S. law licence after admitting to stealing $25,000 from a client.

Confidence in the judiciary is also at a historic low, with 79 per cent of respondents saying they do not trust the courts to deliver justice. The current Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has faced scrutiny for controversial judgments and was reportedly denied a U.S. visa following her role in a disputed Supreme Court ruling that awarded the Imo State governorship to APC’s Hope Uzodimma, despite his fourth-place finish in the election according to INEC results.

The API report suggests growing support among Nigerians for alternative political movements ahead of the 2027 general elections. Many citizens, the report noted, are now looking toward the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as a possible replacement for Tinubu’s ruling APC.